Lexus IS: 2nd Generation

Bader Bouarki's photo of the Lexus IS is fantastic, and the description is even better:

I Told my friend to drive, i went to the second car and sit in the trunk, it was 120KM/H,
i added the cloud as a part of a beauty...

Sitting on the trunk of a car going 120kph (75mph) certainly puts a different spin on The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection.

It may be an elaborate hoax, but My.IS member nyjinwoo has uncovered what looks to be a brochure for the 2009 Lexus IS 250/350. First thing, here's an overview of the exterior changes:

The front grille has been given the same extended chrome border and integrated turn signals that were included in last year's refreshed GS. The revised rear lights have also been changed, though the differences are subtle unless compared with the current design:

The most obvious change is the L-Shaped clear accents in the lower corners, though it also looks as though the rear lights are protruding somewhat. This was something I noticed when looking at the convertible spy shots seen some months back.

Interior shots were also included, and the only change I can see is the wood steering wheel:

If accurate, these changes certainly increase the edginess of the IS (I'm particularly impressed with the chunky rear light treatment), but will it be enough to carry the model through its final three years of production?

[Source: dajapa via My.IS] (Thanks Joaquín!)

There's some fairly strong imagery in this Lexus IS commercial from Australia, and it's all vaguely biblical:

I'd really like to see the creative brief on this one.

Every year, the JM Lexus dealership in South Florida sponsors the Lexus/Supra Mega Meet, a two day event set up for enthusiasts to both check out and show off some custom rides.

To mark the occasion, JM Lexus put together a heavily modified IS 350, featuring not only every F-Sport accessory available but also a full reworking of the interior & exterior.

Anthony Barbosa of JM Lexus filled me in on the details:

Originally this project vehicle was designed for the purpose of the Mega Meet and advertising for the dealership. The main goal of this project was to be able to showcase what we here at JM Lexus could do in house...we are excited to be able to make our Lexus customers get their own unique/personalized vehicles all done in house.

What's more, the IS 350 was sold long before it made its Mega Meet debut, selling for a price of $96,000 (!!!). (Of course, looking at the full list of mods minimizes the sticker shock quite a bit.)

For the full effect, Anthony was also kind enough to send me a number of photos, including some taken during the build:

Exterior Modifications:

1. Custom Two-tone Paint Pearl White Factory White With The Top Half Is-f Blue
2. Custom Black Solid Hand Painted Stripe
3. Lexus Oem Ground Effects
4. Custom Lexus "IS" Painted Factory Grille And Badges

Interior Modifications:

1. Custom Leather White Inserts
2. Custom Black Headliner And Pillar Posts
3. Llmar ATX Window Tint

Electronic Upgrades:

1. JL Audio 500/1v2 Amplifier
2. JL Audio G6600 Amplifier
3. Two JL Audio C-5 6 1/2 Component Speakers
4. Two 10" W3v3 Subwoofers
5. Custom Fiberglass Enclosure Painted To Match
6. Custom Trunk Lid Cover w/ Two Monitors And F-Sport Logo
7. Embroidering F-Sport Into Stock Floor Mat
8. PS3 In Trunk
9. Front Video Conversion
10. Rossen Dual Headrest Monitors
11. Rossen ½ Din Dvd Player In Glove Box

Mechanical Modification:

1. F-Sport Engine Cover
2. F-Sport Brake Upgrades Front And Rear
3. F-Sport Exhaust System
4. F-Sport Performance Air Intake
5. F-Sport Shock Set
6. F-Sport Lowering Springs
7. F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace
8. F-Sport Sway Bar Set
9. MHT Mantra Chrome Wheels 19" W/ Custom Powder Coating
10. Pirelli P-zero Nero 235/35/19 Front, 265/30/19 Rears High Performance Tires

These Lexus IS coupe photochops from Top Speed might be almost two years old, but when I spotted the thumbnails on Flickr today, I thought it was the real deal:

I have a feeling the coupe is going to be a looker, but this example lacks the hard edge that I'd like to see. One thing I really liked in the grainy spy shot of the IS convertible was how chunky the rear looked, though that was more than likely just some elaborate camouflage.

The DRC Motorsports Lexus IS-GTF (which has suitably been renamed as an IS 350) had a bumpy start to its inaugural race this past weekend, my.IS has the details:

The #72 DRC Motorsports Lexus IS 350 made its initial Mid-Ohio appearance during the second practice session, but entered pit lane before completing a full practice lap. The team opted to sit out qualifying, as well, and, thus, started at the very back of the pack of the 30-car SPEED World Challenge Grand Touring class grid...Yet, never underestimate 2007 SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Champion Jeff Altenburg, for he managed to finish the race in 24th place, only one lap down from the first 19 cars, and ahead of five Dodge Vipers and a Chevrolet Corvette, delivering a very credible first effort.

Hard to expect anything in a race when you start in last place, so placing 24th is a good result. The RDC IS should see action again at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, scheduled for August 10th.